Amazon To Expand Prime Instant Video Into Japan Next Month

Following Netflix, which launches in the country September 2, Amazon will extend Prime Instant Video to customers in Japan starting sometime in September. No actual launch date has been set at this time, but Prime members will enjoy access to Prime streaming content at no additional cost when the service debuts. Prime customers in Japan will be able to access Prime Instant Video through Android and iOS devices, as well as gaming consoles and smart TVs. 4K Ultra HD will be provided for certain titles.

Japan already has access to streaming content and DVDs through Amazon, and Prime has been available since 2005, at a current yearly cost equivalent to $32.48, or approximately $2.70 a month, significantly cheaper than Netflix’s Japan launch price. But it now will be the fourth country to get access to Prime Instant Video, following the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany. In addition to a slate of US and Japanese film and TV content, Amazon Studios originals, like the Emmy-nominated Transparent, will also be made available.